Green Synthesis and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Properties of Euphorbia umbellata (Pax) Bruyns Latex

Present work explores the synthesis and application of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) using latex from Euphorbia umbellata. The study characterizes the synthesized AgNPs and evaluates their antibacterial, antifungal and larvicidal activities. Phytochemicals in the latex extract are confirmed, including proteins, saponins, phenolics, terpenoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. However, flavonoids, tannin and phlobatannins were absent. The characterization of AgNPs involved UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with increased concentration resulting in larger inhibition zones. They also displayed antifungal activity, particularly against Fusarium solani. In mortality bioassays, AgNPs showed toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster larvae, with 100% mortality in 100 µl/mL concentration within 1 hour. This research highlights the potential of Euphorbia umbellata latex derived AgNPs in various applications, including antimicrobial agents and insect pest control. Further studies may focus on characterizing specific bioactive compounds in the latex.